Editorial Review

Reviews (3)

A fine reference.
I don't know that it is exhaustive; I'm sure that there is information one might want that isn't to be found here, although I can't think of any examples off the top of my head. And I can't vouch for its veracity; I haven't the competence in the subject matter. Certainly, it is a marvellous reference for someone like me, who has little other knowledge of the subject, and wants a place to begin in gaining such knowledge.

The style of the entries varies considerably, as one might expect of a book that is a collection of entries by various authors; some of them seem very straightforward and mainstream in their approach, others are clearly written by activists seeking to balance centuries of European-oriented history with their own opposite cultural perspective. All are at least reasonably well-written, however, and quite enlightening.

Fantastic reference work
"Encyclopedia of the North American Indians" is probably one of the best reference works of its type for any subject. The entries are clear, concise and highly informative and there are a large number of useful photographs and illustrations. It covers all relevant subject areas connected to the Native Americans: history, literature, culture, customs and language, politics and contemporary issues. By itself it is a highly informative book, yet it also serves as a vehicle for further study of more specific subject matter; in this sense, it is very helpful that all entries include the names of their authors and that biographical information is also provided. The further reading lists are also very helpful. Anyone even remotely interested in Native Americans has to have this valuable resource on his/her bookshelf.

An invaluable reference for Native American studies.
Over 260 contemporary authorities on North America's original inhabitants and their descendants make this encyclopedia truly worthy of the name. Contributors are themselves from a wide variety of Indian nations. Typical entry titles are "Food and Cuisine", "Jim Thorpe","Origins", "Urban Indians", and "Women".An invaluable reference for any library, or for that matter an individualwho wants to take that first step into researching their own NativeAmerican Roots as did one individual who attention I brought this item to.I have a back ground in Library and information studies with two advancedegrees in that area which I think makes me feel qualified to say thateverything that one wants is not on line and 20 years from now when theworld have become gridlock with electronic noise which is really nothingmore than useless or worse yet incorrect or misleading electronicinformation this could still sitting on your self.One of the things Ilike to do is test drive a reference tool by asking a typical referencequestion which I say with kind of smirk knowing that the only typicalreference question is directional and the answer involves pointing down thehall to the men's or women's rest room. So since I lived for many years inSouth Central Wisconsin I have decided to find more About the Black Hawkwars since the route of the retreat for Chief Black Hawk was through whatwas to become 13 years later the University Of Wisconsin Campus. Since theitem is arranged in dictionary format (With many Illustrations andphotographs, and Maps) I simply turn to page 76-77-78 to a signed articleby Roger Nichols of the University of Arizona. Marktaineshekiakiak1767-1838 (Sauk War Leader and Spokesman): The article is concisely writtenon level which would make it accessible to a high school student but at thesame time useful to a graduate student who might chose to use the articleas an access point to a much wider area of Interest as would be my case dueto my interest in both social economic and military history as in it startswith the individual and moves to the broad social an economic context.Encyclopedia of North American Indians: Native American History, Culture,and Life from Paleo-Indians to the Present in addition supplies multipleaccess points through a general index; cross references, and in many casesfurthers reading lists. Since I have written for number Encyclopedias overthe years I most particularly like the idea of the articles being signedand the contributors being listed. Really a good reference tool works likeThe sighting scope on a large telescope: it bring you into an large And youcan focus with as much detail as the granularity of the data will allow. Ionce wrote a paper on that but that another story. 756 Pages,Appendix, Index Maps, B/W Photographs, Paintings, Drawings.

Editorial Review

Reviews (7)

A Must Read
This book tells the sad story of what happened to Native Americans (a case of genocide) in a very readable format. It is also very educational and should be mandatory for American History classes.

A very human book
This is an amazing book.Tireless research and the author's gift of vision and words produces a magnificently readable narrative of the American Indian Removals.Very balanced with no point of view overlooked.Many surprising appearances.And plenty of twists which will make you laugh outloud and break your heart.A very human book.An absolute must-read for anyone who wants to learn history as through the eyes and ears (and hearts) of those experiencing it.You won't be able to put it down.

Reviews (25)

A Novel or Biography?
The strange man of the Lakotas made very little contact with the "white man" and remains a mysterious character of native American culture.Not much is known about him, his birth, his death, his burial.

Sandoz attempts to document as much history is known about this man, and she puts it in the form of a novel.It is easy to read and entertaining.Yet it includes historical facts, events and characters.While it is difficult to pen a biography about someone who so little is known about, Sandoz documents all that is known about him in this book.Many of the facts were taken from interviews with people who knew him and lived with him.Those people are all long gone.The only comprehensive memory of Crazy Horse is this book.

A Beautiful and Compelling Biography
This is a highly unique biography and is a well-deserved classic in the world of literature. Sandoz did not write the standard Native American story from the point of view of the outsider (that is, the white conquerors), but created a book that feels as if it was written by the Indians from their own world view. Sandoz had the great advantage, in the 1930s, of interviewing still-living oldtimers who really knew Crazy Horse, and her combination of first-hand Indian accounts and meticulously well-crafted prose makes for an extremely compelling story of the last years of Indian freedom. In fact, this is not so much a biography of Crazy Horse, but a much larger story of the Lakota (Sioux) people in which he is the central character. The book does not include much historical detail, as that would be the white man's method of writing, so for such information on late Sioux history you would have to look elsewhere (such as *Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee* by Dee Brown).

However, we do get a book full of beautiful and poetic prose such as "there was a star with a long white tail to speak of good things," and consistent use of Indian terminology such as "burning cup" for whiskey or "soldier chief" for army officers. This style of writing does make the reading of this book stiff and long-winded in places, but Sandoz must be commended for her very unique and moving methods. In the end, Crazy Horse himself comes across as a troubled loner among his people, a bit manic-depressive but a strong leader and warrior, and he remains as dark and mysterious to us as he was to his friends and enemies. And as usual for Native American histories from this period, the end of the story gives us the depressing loss of the people's freedom and the noble but hopeless efforts of a great leader to save his people. Concerning the special 50th anniversary edition of the book, you can ignore the rather sycophantic introduction by Stephen B. Oates, but the stunning cover painting by Ed Lindlof is almost worth the price of admission alone. [~doomsdayer520~]

Strange Book about a Strange Man
This book is interesting because of the way it's told. It reads much like a novel would read. It's related from an Indian omniscient point of view. In other words you feel as if a Native American were sitting down recounting the tale. During the story we see Crazy Horse grow from a young boy called Curly hanging around his warrior friend Hump to a mighty warrior brave in battle. Sadly as most people know his people endured many hardships and many broken promises made by soldiers representing the Great Father. Reading this you can't help but be somewhat moved and have compassion for the eventual demise of the Oglalas that was well underway during Crazy Horse's life. Towards the latter part of the book emotions run deep as you see how jealousy, anger, and greed ripped apart what could have been good relations among the different Native American peoples. Of course, Crazy Horse the man we come to know in this book undergoes many of the hardships of the people himself. Almost as if he is the embodiment of the transition from the Indians to the white man's world at any cost.

Reviews (11)

One of the best books of it's kind.
I personally read this book many years ago, and found it to be one of the most interesting accounts of personal history I have ever read. John Fire Lame Deer lead a life as many things, but one thing is for sure he 'lived' his life and lived it like no other. Everytime I see this book on my shelves, I pick it up and read it all over again. From childhood to manhood walk side by side with one of the most interesting people in all of history. *Wink* click my name above.

The perfect blend...
There is humor. Lame Deer has an excellent sense of just where to find your funny bone! I broke out in laughter more than once. I'm quite sure the other people on the bus think I'm nuts! But, we all have a heyoka inside of us, eh? He even asks us to laugh at ourselves a little. It's historical, and teaches you some things that definitely should have been taught in school. It's cultural, and denotes some interesting differences between Indian and other groups of people. I like the book on the whole, and strongly recommend it as reading for anyone considering hanblechia. My fiancee' is starting his sun dance next year, and I wanted to educate myself further as to what that entails. It's a great read!

Reviews (43)

One of the BEST books I've ever read!
I am an avid reader of many different genres and, I must say, this book is most certainly one of the best books I have ever read!I can see why it is being considered a "classic".

The author actually brings the reader into the life of Black Elk - so that you can almost "see", "hear" & "feel" what Black Elk was experiencing at the time.It's an amazing journey!

In my opinion, this book is a "must read" for EVERYONE.

To Gift To " The People"
Most people recognize Black Elk's name if not his legend. From the time he was a small child he had the ability to hear and follow Tankashilah. Elder's of the Lakota people saw it in him and knew he would follow the path. As a child he was raised knowing all the ways, traditions and cultures of the Lakota. He also experienced that life being torn apart: every battle, every torture, every mutilation. All that was Sacred; gone. The People; gone.
After traveling with Buffalo Bill, in Europe, he returned and worked to heal the Lakota. To repair the Sacred Hoop, heal The Tree of Life, these were his goals. He never felt that he suceeded.
In the end, Black Elk dictated this book with the help of relatives who translated, the author, and members of his family. It was Black Elk's last and perhaps greatest gift to the extented family, All The People: The Red, The Yellow, The Black, The White.
If you want to understand the traditions this is a starting point. A must have. It's well written, clear and profound. And, if you've read it well, don't be suprised if it should prove life changing.

Reviews (16)

Compelling narration of a great leader
Ever since my childhood, I have always been enamored of the Native Indians. It wasn't the Indian of the Cowboy tv shows where they were portrayed as idiots or savages ~~ but as the people who were close to nature and the spiritual world.

This book does not disappoint. This is a very concise portrayal of Sitting Bull from an author who took great pains to portray Sitting Bull as how the Indians viewed him and as how as the Whites viewed him. He didn't allow his emotions cloud the facts ~~ it was very obvious that he took time to research the facts and present them without boring the reader to tears. He showed Sitting Bull as the greatest Sioux leader of all time and how he worked to unite the Lakotas and the Hunkpapas as well as other Indian nations together to defeat the White invasion. He also presented the facts that allowed the readers to be aware of why the Indian battles were a losing cause ~~ simply because there were more of the Whites coming. There were not enough Indians to keep populating the land.

This is one of the most in-depth research I've read and enjoyed on any Indian leader. This one goes beyond Sitting Bull and talk about the problems the Indians faced ~~ and yes, it does have some moments in there where you just allow your emotions to override the story ~~ Sitting Bull may not have had it easy but he sure didn't make it easy for the US military or the Indian agents on the reservations. He gave back as good as he could ~~ and he never quit fighting for his people. He is admirable not only as a man, but as a leader. This is definitely a worth-while reading for anyone who is interested in history ~~ especially Native American Indian history.

6-26-04

sitting bull
I,VE.read the Lanceand the Shield and i thank its one of the best books ive read in a long time,iam proud to be related to sittng bull he was one of the best heros in his time. foxychic47@scglobal.net

Reviews (6)

a master's methods
thomas mails' honesty and humility in recognition of the potent and vibrant personality of fool's crow allows him to become a nearly transparent medium for this account of a shaman's personal methods and rituals.

at their most effecftive, shamanistic rituals use p[hysical symbols to trigger and continue cycles of effect and reaction between the individual practitioner and the world-system as a whole. this book doesn't go into great depth in presenting the fundamental metaphysic of the native american heritage that fool's crow continued, but provides a rich and meticulously detailed account of demonstrations of its practice by a healer, teacher and leader.

this book may tempt immitators and pretenders; they might find themselves playing with fire. this volume should not be taken as a single source outside of the greater context of the heritage it celebrates and partially describes, but it can be a valuable supplementary resource for a careful student, or the agile and humble explorer.

A book that opens a door
The legacy of Fools Crow is his wisdom & power as a Lakota medecine man. The path he walked, as a man called to serve his people & the Great Spirit, is recalled in this book.His simple message is that all of us can be "hollow bones" for the Great Spirit to work through. The reader learns that the power & wisdom of Frank Fools Crow's life was in his detachment from ego and submission to a higher force. Some readers may only be interested in the ceremonies & rituals described in the book.However, the message is the spirit of the man & his committment to his God & to his people.I can not imagine that any reader can walk away from this book untouched.

Remarkable - simply a must read!
This is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read!If you want a book that will draw you closer to God, regardless of your religion or beliefs, this is the book.Frank Fools Crow will teach you by his example what a holy life truly is and the power that will naturally flow from living this type of life.

Reviews (3)

A picture's worth a thousand words
The author does a good job addressing the many different native peoples of North America in this book, but I was disappointed by the lack of pictures. You'd think she could have at least put a sketch in with each tribal description. No one who goes into this book without already knowing what these clothing articles look like is going to come out of this book with a mental impression of what an outfit from any given tribe might have looked like. It's still an interesting reference and I'm glad to have it, but I can't recommend it for schools.

This reference book is loaded!
For anyone fascinated by the customs and dress of the American Indians, this book is a rich reference.The adaptation of materials found in nature along with the practicality of clothing in different regions provides interesting reading for hours.Anyone who thinks all Indians dressed alike in drab buckskins or adorned themselves or wore their hair alike needs to read about the skill and beauty involved in making their wonderful clothing and jewelry. It would be nice to see more photos and some color pictures, but it is still a great book!My only disappointment is in the choice of the word "costume" in the title.Go to any Pow Wow and you'll see today's Indians cringe at that term as it implies dressing up as something they are not."Regalia" is their preferred term for their outfits.I recommend this book.

Reviews (3)

Outstanding Reference Work
Excellent presentation of past and present information about the culture groups of native North America, arranged alphabetically and accompanied by a terrific selection of pictures. This reference book is easy enough to read that it works as a children's resource, but it doesn't 'dumb down' or get lost in silly romanticizing. I could recommend this book to anyone with an interest, but particularly for school libraries.

Terrific!!!
They say this book is designed for older teens or young adults. So how come an old guy like me read it enraptured and learned a lot! This is a very strong and well written book that will give you all the basics about tribal, ethnic and cultural differences, customs and habits. If you are interested in native Americans, but are not yet an expert, this is your book.

Reviews (6)

One quibble/caution
This gorgeous book is indeed indispensable, especially if "read" visually. Unfortunately, quite a few of the tribal attributions for historic objects (information given to the author by museums) are wrong. Given the scope of this project, Dubin had little choice but to take often out-dated info at face value rather than do her own research. However, readers should keep this caveat in mind when using this work as a reference.

A must-have!
This book is a must-have for anyone serious about studying Native American cultures.It is a fun read, while still being absolutely crammed with information.It's clear the author put in a lot of time and work to master her subject.Not to mention, the artwork featured in the book is beautiful.I love to breeze through it when I've had a hard day, just to feel my spirits lift looking at such amazing works of art.You will learn so much and enjoy the journey enormously.

superb, magnificent
this book could easily inspire a life of crime--how else to afford the gorgeous contemporary jewelry?or acquire the museum quality antique and archeological collections?

as a knitter, embroiderer and beader, i am always looking for inspiration for my pieces.i may stoop to outright plagarism when it comes to the works in this incredible book.though i will say that i can only dream of having the level of skill the pieces display.the craftmanship, the artistry, are humbling when one considers the tools the artists had--and the reservation conditions under which too much of the art was created.

the text is wonderfully informative, if you can force yourself to read it, instead of allowing yourself to be mesmerized by the photos.

Isbn: 0806133465
Sales Rank: 334411
Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies    2. History - General History    3. Indian weapons    4. Military Science    5. Native American    6. Native Americans - History    7. North America    8. Personal Weapons (Military Science)    9. Social Science    10. Sociology   

Reviews (2)

Fascinating
An excellent compendium of the relationships and interactions between discordant stone age peoples and numerous technologically superior counterparts.

This book is written primarily from a Unites States Vs Native American perspective. However, it acknowledges US, British, French, Spanish, and Mexican interactions, all of which treated the American Indian in much the same way: Make them dependent on foreign technology, guns, powder, fabric, iron, food, transportation, etc., and use that dependence against them.

All European influences exploited inter tribal differences, hatreds and animosities, fighting the American theater of European wars with Indians against Indians. All introduced diseases and some utilized germ warfare in defeating their Native American enemies. From the outset in 1492 the result was a foregone conclusion: Native Americans would be annihilated.

This is the story of how it happened.

Reviews (1)

Genuine Anthropology
So much anthropology is caught up in the detached scientific method.People don't realize that for all its powers, that science has its limitations.Einstein realized that, but many lesser scientists in many fields don't seem to realize that.The author of this volume utilizes science -- to the extent that it works, but he strikes a balance by looking the spiritual aspects of societies from their perspective.

Reviews (1)

Encyclopedis of Native American Religions
In a time of considerable misunderstanding, ignorance, and confusion with regard to the historica religions of Native Americans, this book supplies a much-needed resource for information and correction.I teach a course onNative American History and Culture and will use this book a requiredreading for my students.

It addresses an area of interest to them.Thebook will help the reader not only understand traditional beliefs andpractices but, also, the impact and consequences of contact with Europeansand other groups who were not Native American upon Native Americanreligions.

Reviews (1)

Reviews (18)

Brave and successful work to reach mutual understanding
I remember first reading this book years ago in a hotel in Boston after work.It had a profound effect on me.Eagle Man has stepped forward in the spirit of White Buffalo Calf Woman to bring the teachings of the earth to all people.Many enrolled Indians are unconfortable with their cultures being shared.While we respect their culture and tradition, not being born into a certain tradition does not mean you are not meant to be affected by it in a positive way.And that is what this book does.To bring forward the beauty of the earth path as seen from the Lakota traditions.

If you are interested in Lakota spirituality (i.e. the gifts of White Buffalo Calf Woman) then be sure to also check out Black Elk Speaks and The Gift of the Sacred Pipe.Black Elk was a Lakota holy man who saw that the traditions of his people were under threat.So he communicated the information about the Lakota rituals/rites to white men he made friends with.

In this book you really get a sense of the spirit of friendship and sacredness.You can realize that the gifts of spirit and earth, that are found in many traditions, are for the healing of all beings and the peaceful friendship of all peoples.This book does a great job in conveying that spirit.

Most Natives don't agree with McGaa's views on Spirituality
I've met Ed McGaa, read his book and almost published my language studies under his publishing company.He's a fairly decent guy but his views are not the majority view of the Native population.His book is more geared toward the Non-Native.

Most of my people would never agree with Ed's writings - and many of my relatives would call Ed a "sell-out."While I would never say this about him because I don't know what compells him to write what he does.I can tell you, the writings in this book are not a good example of the way 98% of the Native population think and believe.If you are looking for a "romantic" view on Native beliefs - this is the book for you!Personally, myself and many of my relations feel you should study your own nationality and not someone else's.But if you really want a glimpse at the life and beliefs of another culture like our own... read Fool's Crow or watch, "Smoke Signals."And then get on with your life - don't wrap yourself up in the genes and thought processes of another heritage and lifestyle when there are so many unique and special points of your own life that you could discover.Look in the mirror and be proud of who YOU are.Don't try to be someone else to escape the blood that flows through your own veins.That is the greatest teaching you could ever hear from any of my people - and 98% of us, feel that way.

Toksa,
(Enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe)

Native American ways of living have much to teach us
After reading "Black Elk Speaks" I picked up this book because I believe that Native American ways of living have much to offer us. We neglect their wisdom at our peril. It is a great privilege that we have access to their knowledge on how we can live in harmony with Mother Earth. The author starts with the question why he should teach non-Indians about Native American spirituality and answers that it is time to share that spirituality because it does not belong to the Indians alone but to others with the right attitude; we all live in one world. If kept within the Indian community their old wisdom will not be allowed to work its environmental medicine on the world where it is desperately needed. A spiritual fire that promotes a communal commitment to a worldwide environmental undertaking is needed. Native or primal ways will fuel that fire and give it great power. Mother Earth can be revered, respected and protected.

He then quotes the letter from Chief Seathl (Seattle) to the President of the United States of America in 1854 - one of the most unusual and eloquent letters that a President can have received. "How can we buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?" The truth is that we could really stop here, go into a quiet room and reflect on those three sentences and we will surely discover the root cause of many of our ills. We put a price on everything the Indians think has no value and we place no value on everything the Indians think is valuable. Sparkling water in a stream flowing through a wood has no value to us but it is the essence of life to the Indian. Having polluted our rivers and killed the fish we are at long last starting to ask ourselves those very questions that Chief Seattle asked of the President 150 years ago.

Another point made by Chief Seattle haunts me. "...to harm the earth is to heap contempt on the Creator. The Whites too shall pass; perhaps sooner than all other tribes. Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste." How many of us today are saying somewhat similar things to our deaf leaders? But the heart and soul of the Indian way of life lies at the end of Seattle's letter, "So, if we sell our land, love it as we've loved it. Care for it as we've cared for it. Hold in your mind the memory of the land as it is when you take it. And with all your strength, with all your mind, with all your heart, preserve it for your children, and love it ... as God loves us all. One thing w know. Our God is the same God. This earth is precious to Him. Even the white man cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all. We shall see....." How many of us would claim that we have loved the land as the Indians loved the land, or cared for the land as the Indians cared for the land? If we answer 'no', then surely that means that we have something to learn from the Native Indians. I am sure that if Chief Seattle were here today he would cry to see what we have done to those lands the Indians held sacred. He would cry for the pain inflicted on the earth. He would cry for us who in our greed and selfishness have wrought such damage on ourselves and our children.

I agree with and applaud Ed McGaa. A spiritual fire that promotes a communal commitment to a worldwide environmental undertaking is needed. Native or primal ways will fuel that fire and give it great power. We should all learn something from this book. But not just read and think and speak. But act. This book is nothing if we do not act on it. This is what Stephen Covey was telling us in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change" that first we have to change ourselves, and only then we can change others and the world.

Reviews (2)

American Indian Medicine
American Indian Medicine written by Virgil J. Vogel is a compilation of what the American Indian used for medicine to aid in the treatment of disease.

This book is NOT a step by step process pharmacopoeia with all the weights and preparation steps but is a good general book on what was used.Granted the author states this in his preface and he is not a medical practioner, but what he has given us is history of Indian Medicine in the Americas.

Native American Medicine has long intrigud me and the collection of the herbs, roots, bark, and leaves of plants is what pharmacognsy was to the settlers . This book has been divided into eight sections with a bibliography that helps the reader in further study.

The chapters are as follows:

What the red man gave us
Indian theories of disease and shamanistic practices.
Early observation of white man on indian medicine.
Service of indian doctors to whites.
The influence of indian medicine on folk medicine, irregular practioners, and patent medicine.
Indian health and disease.
American Indian therapeutic methods
Conclusions

The author has a rather "folksy" style to the prose and is very easily readable making for a fast read.The American Indian had treatments for most of the first-aid that we have today, but the practice of asepsis and surgery interested me.

All in all, this was a well-written and thought-provoking book and is well worth a read.

Reviews (1)